With a long list of injury absentees that included Bonera, De Sciglio, Zapata, Bonaventura, El Shaarawy and the suspended Mexes the squad to face Parma included five primavera players – Gori (66), Calabria (96), De Santis (97), Felicioli (37), Di Molfetta (38). The starting lineup featured Alex with the captain’s armband, ex-Parma Zaccardo at right back and newly acquired Bocchetti at left back. Destro started up front in what was officially a 4-4-2 but was more a 4-2-3-1 with the ex-Roma player in front Menez. The first goal came when a Parma handball in the box gave Menez another goal from the spot. The defence looked poor as usual and needed Lopez more than once again. The equalizer came from yet another ongoing weakness when a freekick was not dealt with and Nocerino shot past Diego Lopez. Zaccardo was better than expected when moving forward and Destro and Alex each had a good chance before the half. Michael Essien replaced van Ginkel at the half to add some stability. Menez scored again after a good play with Poli and Cerci with the latter providing the assist. A fully stretched Antonio Mirante in the Parma goal couldn’t keep the ball out. Later Muntari replaced Destro. Zaccardo’s good play overall resulted in a goal when he half diverted, half shot Menez’s cross into the Parma goal. A relatively solid effort, especially considering the injuries and new look of the team, provided the first league win of the 2015 calendar year.